Robert O'Hara Burke and the Australian Exploring Expedition of 1860


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.3 stars; 14 reviews)

In 1860, Robert O'Hara Burke and his team embarked on a bold expedition to traverse the Australian continent from south to north, aiming to chart a path through the uncharted wilderness. This account chronicles their journey, detailing the challenges they faced and the ultimate tragedy that befell them.

Andrew Jackson's narrative draws extensively from the diaries and firsthand accounts of the explorers, providing a vivid portrayal of their experiences. As the expedition unfolds, listeners will encounter the harsh realities of exploration, the struggle against the elements, and the complex dynamics within the team.

Published just a year after the expedition's disastrous conclusion, this historical account offers a poignant reflection on ambition, survival, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. It stands as a significant document of Australian history, shedding light on the era of exploration and the lessons learned from this ill-fated journey.

Chapters

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01 - Preface + Chapter 1 6:16 Read by Chris Chapman
02 - Chapter 2 10:02 Read by Chris Chapman
03 - Chapter 3 14:19 Read by Chris Chapman
04 - Chapter 4 8:20 Read by Chris Chapman
05 - Chapter 5 11:52 Read by Magdalena
06 - Chapter 6 11:57 Read by Magdalena
07 - Chapter 7 33:15 Read by Magdalena
08 - Chapter 8 8:37 Read by Magdalena
09 - Chapter 9 57:48 Read by Magdalena
10 - Chapter 10 31:42 Read by Magdalena
11 - Chapter 11 17:43 Read by Magdalena
12 - Chapter 12 53:19 Read by Magdalena
13 - Chapter 13 12:05 Read by Magdalena
14 - Chapter 14 25:01 Read by Magdalena
15 - Chapter 15 36:26 Read by Magdalena
16 - Chapter 16 26:37 Read by Magdalena

Reviews

The author is quite intent on finding someone else to blame


(4 stars)

Burke does some things which get his party killed. He and Wills could have been saved by a few other people who let them down, sure, and the author is very careful to point out every one of these opportunities lost, but in Chapter 12, you can see Burke kill his men by accident. Not wanting to give spoilers, but King is the only one with a drop of sense: when the midden hits the windmill he's the only one with a strategy that works.

Facing doom with pluck and bravery


(5 stars)

Excellent readings of a contemporary work on the famous ill-fated expedition. First-hand accounts and the conclusions of subsequent investigations show both the exceptionally brave as well as the all-too-human side of the explorers. Go LibriVox!

New to Me


(4 stars)

The US educational system is very Eurocentric, and very little Australian history comes our way. I enjoyed this book, despite its biased viewpoint. Good work on the narration, too.

Doomed from start


(4 stars)

Author continuely plays blame game,I found that very annoying. But that said readers did a good job, well worth a listen. Thanks enjoy !